Controlled burn proceeds 'according to plan' around Pino Fire

Fire managers say the controlled burn went according to plan around the Pino Fire in the southern Jemez Mountains on Tuesday.

Firefighters used hand and aerial ignitions to direct the wildfire control features, removing hazardous fuels and minimizing the threat of future fires.

The lightning-caused Pino Fire is now estimated at 1,618 acres.

Large columns of smoke may still be visible across northern New Mexico, Santa Fe and even Albuquerque.

The Environmental Health Department's Air Quality Program issued a smoke watch for late Wednesday through Thursday morning. The department says smoke levels are not expected to be high enough to warrant a health alert, but that smoke from the Pino Fire could continue to creep down the Rio Grande Valley into Albuquerque by Thursday morning.

Photo: Dennis Carril, Santa Fe National Forest Ecologist

KOB welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the rules of conduct set forth in our
Terms of Use. Comments are not pre-screened before they post.
You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our
Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our
Terms of Use.